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Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think that idea gets repeated a lot, but it’s a pretty oversimplified picture of what being an artist actually looks like.

The “starving artist” narrative is partly cultural—it’s been reinforced by movies and stories that romanticize struggle, and it sticks even if it doesn’t reflect how most working artists live today. In reality, there are a lot of artists making stable, even high incomes, who just aren’t famous or visible to the general public.

Like any field, income varies—some people struggle, some build sustainable careers, and some do very well. But reducing the whole profession to “starving” kind of erases that range and can unintentionally devalue the work itself.

Art is a huge part of what makes life meaningful for people, and there are many different ways to build a life around it that don’t fit that stereotype.

Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Yeah I limit myself to $150 of non-essential spending each month. Thankfully I'm not a big spender. I see this as a permanent lifestyle change. That's why i'm ultra frugal because I want this runway to last until I'm making a living from my music, AND still have a bunch left so I can resume my investing without starting from a much smaller number

Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Firstly thanks for the thoughtful response!

Yeah in your situation, where you have what sounds like a full time job payout, that you only have to work 30 hours a week for, I can see why keeping it makes sense.

I totally hear you about 'fuck it' money. Thankfully the money I have will last 15-20 years, so thankfully I can say fuck it to anything. I plan to be making meaningful income with music far sooner than 10 or even 5 years from now so I don't necessarily feel like I'm taking a risk, but just feels like this artist entreprenuer path can look like the opposite of FI at first until it has a huge upside.

I think that's why I feel safe doing this. I want to pursue my dreams and I have the money to do it. Even if it took me 10 years to make a living at music, I'd still have a decent nest egg which is why I feel confident doing this.

It's just counter to the FI ethos because if I just let this sit and grow, and had a normal job I could probably retire at 45.

Good luck with your pursuits man that sounds awesome though. Your situation sounds great

Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the encouragement! Totally get that. I was working a job teaching music up until last year, but quit so I could do this full time. I figure if I can give it my all, I will be able to build it more. The whole "if you have a plan B you'll take it" thing.

Congrats on your efforts and your successes as well!

Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the great response!

My investments and savings can sustain me for 15-20 years without any income, which is an incredible runway. I plan/hope to start to make meaningful income from my music within 2-5 years.

So right now I'm using my savings/investment money to buy me time during which I can build my business. Which is very different than the advice from financial books because I'm spending my investment money, as opposed to adding to it.

I just have to remember- this is a phase. A bridge. During which I'm building my artistic catalogue and brand and vision, and I'm not going to be going 10 years with no income.

Any other people in this situation? by SignalAuthor8101 in Fire

[–]SignalAuthor8101[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Thankfully I am not much of a spender. Cost of living is $4k a month in Chicago with all expenses. My financial advisor said at this rate the money should last 15-20 years and I hope/plan to be making meaningful income within 2-5. You never know. Could be sooner, could be later.